On 27 November, the Residenza d'Italia in Canberra hosted an evening in honour of Giacomo Puccini, commemorating the great Italian composer 100 years after his death. Conceived in collaboration with the National Opera of Canberra, recently under the new artistic direction of Sonia Anfiloff, the evening-event garnered enthusiasm and great participation from the Italian and local community. Ten artists took turns on stage to interpret, through voice and piano, the most famous arias from the Maestro's operas and contribute, thanks to the proceeds, to supporting and relaunching opera in the Australian capital.
A pioneer of the music industry, one of the best known and most appreciated figures in international opera, Giacomo Puccini has left us a legacy of tradition and innovation. He introduced many elements of discontinuity from the melodramatic tradition of the early 19th century, starting with the search for new harmonies and the construction of 'airy' and free melodies, capable of emphasising the emotional state of the characters and the space-time context in which the scene takes place. A century after his death, Puccini's topicality lies in the ability of his works to still render a faithful and intense cross-section of the human condition, in its fragility and universality.
"In this extraordinary evening, which aims to support new generations of artists and to relaunch opera in Canberra, we celebrate Italian music as a vehicle of universal values and a powerful tool to promote our country," said Ambassador Paolo Crudele. "Through Maestro Puccini we promote Italian opera singing, an intangible heritage of humanity, and strengthen cultural relations between Italy and Australia."
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